The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup schedule and how to watch

As the world's top national soccer teams gather in North America for the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, excitement is building among fans and experts alike. The 32 participating countries will compete in 64 matches, spread across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final match scheduled to take place on July 19, 2026, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

With over 5 billion people expected to tune in from around the globe, the World Cup has become a truly international event, capturing the imagination of audiences worldwide. According to U.S. team captain Tim Ream, "The World Cup is like a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks," and that's exactly what the tournament promises to deliver. The massive viewership figures are a testament to the enduring appeal of the beautiful game, as fans from all walks of life come together to celebrate the sport they love.

FOX and NBCUniversal have secured the broadcasting rights for the 78 matches being played in the U.S., as well as the 13 apiece hosted in Canada and Mexico, ensuring that millions will be able to follow their favorite teams from the comfort of their living rooms. Meanwhile, NBC-owned Telemundo and Universo provide Spanish-language broadcasts, catering to the diverse linguistic needs of soccer enthusiasts worldwide. On-demand streaming options are also available on several platforms, making it easier than ever to catch all the action live.

As the tournament gets underway, fans can expect to witness some of the most skilled players in the world in action, vying for the coveted FIFA World Cup trophy. With its reputation for thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, the World Cup promises to be an exhilarating experience for soccer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

For the U.S. team, the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup presents an opportunity to build on their impressive performance in the 2022 tournament, which saw them secure a spot in the Round of 16 for the first time in eight years. The team's captain, Tim Ream, expressed his pride and gratitude towards the loyal supporters who have backed the team throughout their journey, saying, "It's not an accident that 5 billion people will be watching." The U.S. team's performances are likely to be watched closely by fans and experts alike, as they seek to make a lasting impact on the global soccer scene.

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup gets underway on June 11, 2026, with co-host Mexico kicking off the tournament against South Africa in Mexico City. Fans can follow the progress of their favorite teams through a series of group stage matches, culminating in the knockout round on July 1, 2026. As the tournament builds towards its climax, fans are advised to check their local broadcast schedules to catch all the action live.

The World Cup's broad appeal is not limited to soccer fans alone. The tournament has become an integral part of popular culture, inspiring countless films, books, and songs over the years. As U.S. team captain Tim Ream aptly puts it, "The World Cup is a global event that transcends borders and cultures, bringing people together in the spirit of sportsmanship and friendship."

So, get ready to join the millions of soccer enthusiasts from around the world as they gather to witness the magic of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup. With its rich history, electrifying atmosphere, and incredible talent on display, this tournament promises to be one for the ages. Don't miss a minute of the action – tune in and experience the thrill of the Beautiful Game for yourself!

For those looking to catch the tournament live, there are several options available. Fans with access to the FOX network channel through a smart TV or TV antenna can watch 70 of the matches for free. The rest will air on Fox Sports 1, a cable channel. Viewers can also opt for on-demand streaming options on various platforms, including FOX One, Peacock, YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV, for a subscription fee.

Spanish-language broadcasts are available through NBC-owned Telemundo and Universo, with 92 of the 104 matches accessible for free. Fans can follow World Cup news and highlights throughout the tournament at CBSSports.com.

As the U.S. World Cup team played three matches in the group stage, their opponents were Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey, respectively. In their first match on Friday, June 12, the U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The U.S. defeated Australia 2-0 at Lumen Seattle on Friday, June 19, to clinch their spot in the Round of 32. The U.S. lost to Turkey 3-2 in their final Group D match at SoFi.

In the Round of 32, the U.S. men won their match against Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on July 1 in Santa Clara, California, before being knocked out in a 4-1 loss to Belgium on July 6.

Here is the full broadcast schedule for the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup: